When we leave the military and transition into veterans, many of us carry the physical and mental scars of service. These are invisible scars that we sometimes don’t even realize we have. While the VA offers compensation for our service-connected conditions, proving that a current medical issue is directly related to military service isn’t always straightforward. That’s where a VA nexus letter comes in. A nexus letter is a powerful tool that can make the difference between a denied and an approved disability claim.
More than ‘just’ a statement
A VA nexus letter is a written medical opinion from a licensed healthcare provider. The letter explains how a veteran’s current diagnosis is connected to their time in the military. It serves as the “nexus,” or link, between in-service events. Connecting injuries, illnesses, or exposures to present-day health conditions is the goal. For many veterans, especially those whose medical issues were not clearly documented during their time in service, this letter can be a crucial piece of evidence.
What to include
Unlike service treatment records or VA diagnostic exams, a nexus letter provides a professional, personalized explanation that ties the pieces together. A strong letter includes a detailed review of the veteran’s medical history and service records. However, it also offers a clear and well-supported medical opinion from the source.
Typically, this opinion will use legally significant language such as “It is at least as likely as not”. This means there’s a 50/50 chance that the condition was caused by or related to military service. In order to substantiate this second opinion, it is vital to have the provider add their credentials and signature.
Connective Tissue
A nexus letter may only have a 50% success rate to help you, but that is better than nothing. As stated earlier, these letters become even more important when a veteran is seeking compensation for a condition that’s secondary to a service-connected issue.
For example, if a veteran has developed depression due to chronic pain from a service-connected injury, a nexus letter links the two. Showing a substantial connection between a current and previous injury, illness, or issue is the key to a successful claim.
Who Can Write a Nexus Letter
While any licensed medical professional can write a nexus letter, it’s best to work with one who is experienced with VA claims or specializes in the relevant condition. Unfortunately, VA doctors rarely provide them, so many veterans turn to private providers for this support.
In the world of VA disability claims, facts alone don’t always tell the full story. Unfortunately, it falls to us veterans to prove that we are impacted by more than what is in our records. A well-crafted nexus letter adds the necessary context and expert insight to help the VA understand how military service contributed to a veteran’s health challenges. Remember, it’s not just paperwork; it’s your story, backed by medical expertise. It could be the key to getting the benefits you’ve earned.
